Sonoma State wages friendly grad cap competition

So you didn't get selected as valedictorian. Now every grad, however low or high their GPA, can make a statement from the top of their mortarboard.

The trend of decking out graduation caps to stand out in a sea of black gowns has been growing through social media. Now that it's advanced to the competitive stage Sonoma State is getting into the act.

SSU is waging a Graduation Cap Decorating contest on Facebook. More than 100 photos have been submitted from newly minted grads. The ones with the most 'likes' by 5 p.m. Monday May 18 win.

Anyone logged on to Facebook can vote.

There are thanks to mom and dad, nods to pets, shout-outs to majors and careers. Some try to address life's meaning in less than 140 characters and read like Facebook memes.

Leading in likes are pop culture references like 'Be the Leslie Knope of Whatever You Do' with a photo of Amy Poehler's terminally upbeat character on 'Parks and Recreation.'

Trending hot as of midday Monday was 'In-N-Out in 4' with the fast food joint's iconic yellow arrow, the proud, 'Teachers are In it for the Outcome not the Income' and 'Master Gave Dobby a Diploma. Dobby is Free!' a reference to the liberation of the house elf from the Dark Wizards in 'Harry Potter.'

'It's always been popular but in the last few years we've seen people take it to another level,' Nicolas Grizzle, a media and marketing specialist at SSU, said of the customized grad cap phenomenon and SSU's decision to elevate the art to a competition.

All entrants get a Lagunitas Mason Jar beer glass emblazoned with 'Sonoma State Alum,' an SSU pennant and coasters.

The first place winner also get an alumni license plate frame. The runner-up gets an SSU logo baseball cap.

You can reach Staff Writer Meg McConahey at meg.mcconahey@pressdemocrat.com or 521-5204. On Twitter @megmcconahey.